The Socceroos’ victory in the penalty shootout over Peru to qualify for the 2022 World Cup will mean a payday of $ 17 million for Football Australia.
The Qatar tournament will be the richest World Cup in history, with a total scholarship of $ 700 million ($ 1 billion) set aside for competing teams. Football Australia already has a guaranteed group stage participation fee of more than $ 14 million, as well as just under $ 3 million as a qualifying bonus, set aside to cover travel and accommodation for the tournament.
Under the terms of the Socceroos collective agreement, players will win 40 per cent of the participation fees in the group stage, as well as 50 per cent of the share of any prize to reach the knockout stages.
In real terms, that means $ 226,000 per player to be included in the selection of 23 World Cup players and an additional bonus of about $ 290,000 per player if he reaches the round of 16. To do so, Australia must finish in the top two in Group D. which includes defenders from France, Denmark and Tunisia.
While the unexpected revenue from the FA is substantial, much of it will be absorbed by costs such as player bonuses, staff salaries, and logistics costs. FA expects the after-cost benefit to be about $ 5 million for an appearance in the group stage.
“It goes beyond finances,” CEO James Johnson said.
Andrew Redmayne’s Socceroos teammates celebrate after the goalkeeper’s crucial stop in Doha. Credit: Getty
“Twelve months ago we had two teams competing in the Olympics and both teams did pretty well. The Olyroos beat Argentina and the Matildas reached the semifinals. We have now qualified for the Men’s World Cup. We are organizing a women’s World Cup. “
Much of the proceeds will go to fund a second national division and a women’s national cup competition. The FA is keen to improve the careers of players with more games in women’s and men’s football, in particular by introducing a second professional league below League A.